Last updated: Apr 27, 2024
10 best herbal teas for dark circles
Certain herbal teas, such as chamomile and lavender, have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce puffiness associated with dark circles.
Green tea, rich in antioxidants, helps tighten the skin and diminish the appearance of dark circles. Rooibos tea, known for its high levels of vitamin C, aids in collagen production and brightens the skin.
Drinking these herbal teas or using them as compresses on the affected area provides a natural remedy for dark circles.
1. Chamomile
Chamomile tea contains anti-inflammatory properties due to its high antioxidant content, which helps reduce swelling and puffiness around the eyes, a common cause of dark circles.
The soothing effects of chamomile also help constrict blood vessels, diminishing the appearance of darkness. As a natural relaxant, chamomile promotes better sleep, contributing to overall skin health and a reduction in dark circles. Furthermore, chamomile's anti-bacterial and hydrating properties support the skin's natural regeneration process, ensuring a healthier and more even skin tone.
Thus, regularly consuming chamomile tea and applying it topically delivers noticeable improvements in the appearance of dark circles.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in chamomile tea that help with dark circles.
- Flowers: Contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce puffiness and discoloration.
- Leaves: Rich in flavonoids that strengthen capillary walls, improving circulation and alleviating dark circles.
- Seeds: Packed with essential oils that have anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing benefits for dark circle reduction.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in chamomile tea that aid with dark circles.
- Apigenin: A flavonoid that has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing puffiness and dark circles.
- Luteolin: A flavonoid with antioxidant properties that helps protect and repair damaged skin.
- Chamazulene: A terpene that has anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, reducing redness and irritation.
- Bisabolol: A terpene alcohol with anti-inflammatory and skin healing properties, improving skin texture and tone.
- Matricin: A sesquiterpene lactone with anti-inflammatory effects, reducing swelling and dark circles.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile tea for dark circles.
- Boil 1 cup of water and let 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain the tea to remove the chamomile flowers.
- Allow the tea to cool down to a comfortable temperature.
- Soak two cotton balls in the chamomile tea.
- Place the soaked cotton balls on your closed eyes for 15 minutes.
2. Green Tea
Green tea contains caffeine and tannins that constrict blood vessels, reducing fluid retention and swelling around the eyes, which lightens dark circles.
Its high antioxidant content, particularly EGCG, helps eliminate skin cells causing dark circles and promotes skin regeneration. The anti-inflammatory properties in green tea soothe the skin, decreasing puffiness and pigmentation. By improving skin elasticity, green tea helps maintain a youthful appearance, further reducing the appearance of dark circles.
Moreover, green tea has vitamin K, which strengthens capillary walls, reducing leakage of blood into the skin, making dark circles less noticeable.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in green tea tea that help with dark circles.
- Leaves: Contain high levels of antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and brighten the skin, reducing the appearance of dark circles.
- Buds: Rich in polyphenols and catechins, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, helping to soothe and lighten the skin around the eyes.
- Seeds: Contain essential fatty acids and vitamin E that nourish and hydrate the skin, reducing the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in green tea tea that aid with dark circles.
- Caffeine: A stimulant that constricts blood vessels, reducing puffiness and dark circles.
- EGCG: A powerful antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation and strengthens capillary walls.
- Theanine: An amino acid that promotes relaxation, reducing stress-induced dark circles.
- Tannins: Polyphenols that have astringent properties, helping to reduce puffiness and dark circles.
- Vitamin E: An antioxidant that protects skin from damage, improves elasticity, and reduces dark circles.
- Vitamin K: A fat-soluble vitamin that improves blood circulation and reduces the appearance of dark circles.
- Saponins: Naturally occurring compounds that provide anti-inflammatory benefits, reducing puffiness and dark circles.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic green tea tea for dark circles.
- Boil 8 ounces of water, then let it cool for 2-3 minutes until it reaches a temperature of 160-170°F.
- Steep 1 teaspoon of high-quality green tea leaves in the hot water for 2-3 minutes.
- After steeping, remove the tea leaves and let the tea cool to a comfortable temperature.
- Soak two cotton pads in the cooled green tea and place them on closed eyes for 10-15 minutes.
- Discard the used tea and cotton pads, then rinse your face with cool water.
3. Black Tea
Black tea contains tannins and antioxidants that absorb excess fluid and reduce swelling, thereby diminishing the appearance of dark circles.
The caffeine in black tea constricts blood vessels, reducing the pooling of blood under the eyes that leads to dark shadows. Its anti-inflammatory properties soothe the skin, alleviating puffiness and discoloration. Furthermore, black tea's cool temperature provides a refreshing sensation and helps further reduce swelling.
Regular application of black tea bags on the under-eye area helps tighten and brighten the skin, making dark circles less noticeable over time.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in black tea tea that help with dark circles.
- Leaves: Contain high levels of antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation, which can help alleviate dark circles.
- Buds: Rich in anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and reduce puffiness around the eyes, minimizing the appearance of dark circles.
- Flowers: Contain flavonoids that possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making them effective in improving skin health and reducing dark circles.
- Bark: Has tannins that can help shrink blood vessels, reducing the appearance of dark circles and providing a more even skin tone.
- Seeds: Contain essential oils with regenerative and rejuvenating properties that can help improve skin elasticity and reduce the visibility of dark circles.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in black tea tea that aid with dark circles.
- Caffeine: Stimulates blood circulation, reducing puffiness and discoloration.
- Theobromine: Dilates blood vessels, improving under-eye circulation and reducing darkness.
- Theophylline: Relaxes smooth muscles, alleviating dark circle-causing tension and inflammation.
- Epicatechin gallate: Possesses anti-inflammatory properties, diminishing dark circles and puffiness.
- Epigallocatechin gallate: Boosts skin microcirculation, reducing dark circles and promoting healthy skin.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic black tea tea for dark circles.
- Boil 1 cup of water and let 1 teaspoon of black tea leaves steep for 5 minutes.
- Strain the tea leaves and let the tea cool down to a comfortable temperature.
- Soak 2 cotton balls in the tea and squeeze out any excess liquid.
- Place the soaked cotton balls on your closed eyes for 15 minutes.
- Discard the cotton balls and rinse your face with cool water.
4. Rooibos
Rooibos tea contains antioxidants, including aspalathin and nothofagin, which reduce inflammation and help alleviate vascular issues.
These antioxidants also inhibit the activity of hyperpigmentation-inducing enzymes, resulting in a decrease of dark circles. Furthermore, rooibos tea's alpha hydroxy acid content aids in exfoliating and brightening the skin, while its zinc and copper contents promote skin repair and collagen production.
Drinking rooibos tea or applying it topically delivers these benefits, effectively improving the appearance of dark circles.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in rooibos tea that help with dark circles.
- Leaves: Contain antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and improve circulation, reducing the appearance of dark circles.
- Flowers: Rich in flavonoids that strengthen capillary walls, improving blood flow and reducing dark circles.
- Stems: Contain high levels of aspalathin, a powerful antioxidant that helps brighten skin and reduce the appearance of dark circles.
- Bark: Has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and calm skin, helping to fade dark circles.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in rooibos tea that aid with dark circles.
- Aspalathin: A powerful antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress, helping to diminish the appearance of dark circles.
- Nothofagin: A potent flavonoid that helps improve blood flow and reduces inflammation, aiding in the lightening of dark circles.
- Orientin: A flavonoid with antioxidant properties that helps protect skin cells from damage, promoting healthier-looking skin around the eyes.
- Vitexin: A flavonoid known for its anti-inflammatory effects, which can help alleviate puffiness and dark circles.
- Isoorientin: A flavonoid that assists in inhibiting melanin production, aiding in the reduction of dark circles.
- Quercetin: A flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help protect and soothe the skin, diminishing dark circles.
- Luteolin: A flavonoid that helps to strengthen blood vessels, reducing the appearance of dark circles caused by dilated blood vessels.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic rooibos tea for dark circles.
- Boil 1 cup of water and let it cool down to 200°F-212°F (93°C-100°C) for optimal extraction of rooibos tea antioxidants.
- Add 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf rooibos tea or 1 rooibos tea bag to the hot water.
- Steep the tea for 6-7 minutes to allow the flavonoids, including aspalathin and nothofagin, to release into the water.
- Remove the tea leaves or bag to prevent over-steeping and bitterness.
- Consume the rooibos tea either cold or hot, up to twice a day, to help reduce dark circles under the eyes.
5. Eyebright
Eyebright tea reduces dark circles due to its astringent properties, which tighten the skin and decrease the visibility of discoloration.
This herbal tea contains tannins that have a constricting effect on blood vessels, diminishing the appearance of dark circles caused by dilated vessels. Eyebright tea's anti-inflammatory and soothing qualities alleviate puffiness and irritation, contributing to a brighter and more even skin tone. Furthermore, eyebright tea's antioxidant compounds, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, protect the delicate skin around the eyes from oxidative stress and free radical damage, which may cause or worsen dark circles.
Lastly, drinking eyebright tea hydrates the body, promoting overall skin health and reducing the likelihood of developing dark circles.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in eyebright tea that help with dark circles.
- Flowers: Contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce puffiness and discoloration.
- Leaves: Rich in tannins and flavonoids that strengthen blood vessels, reducing the appearance of dark circles.
- Buds: High in essential oils and vitamins that nourish and soothe the skin around the eyes.
- Stems: Contain astringent properties that tighten and tone the skin, decreasing the visibility of dark circles.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in eyebright tea that aid with dark circles.
- Tannins: These astringent compounds reduce puffiness and inflammation, helping to minimize the appearance of dark circles.
- Flavonoids: Antioxidant properties of flavonoids help decrease fragility of capillaries, reducing leakage of blood into the skin around the eyes.
- Phenolic acids: Their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties aid in soothing irritation and combating free radicals that worsen dark circles.
- Iridoids: These have anti-inflammatory effects that alleviate swelling and discoloration in the eye area.
- Phenylpropanoids: Their soothing and decongestant properties help decrease puffiness and lighten dark circles.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic eyebright tea for dark circles.
- Boil 1 cup of water in a kettle, reaching a full boil before proceeding.
- Add 1 teaspoon of dried eyebright herb to a tea infuser or empty tea bag.
- Pour the boiling water over the herb in a teapot or directly into a cup.
- Steep the herb for 5-10 minutes, allowing the tea to develop its full flavor and medicinal properties.
- Remove the tea infuser or tea bag, discarding the spent herb, and enjoy the warm tea, preferably without added sweeteners.
6. Fennel
Fennel tea reduces dark circles due to its high antioxidant content, which includes vitamin C and amino acids.
These antioxidants help to reduce inflammation and strengthen blood vessels, minimizing the appearance of dark circles. Furthermore, fennel tea possesses diuretic properties, which aid in reducing puffiness and fluid retention around the eyes. Additionally, it has a cooling effect that soothes the delicate skin under the eyes, providing instant relief and relaxation.
Consistent consumption of fennel tea also promotes good digestion and overall health, contributing to a fresh and revitalized appearance.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in fennel tea that help with dark circles.
- Seeds: Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce puffiness and discoloration.
- Flowers: Contain flavonoids and phenolic acids that have skin brightening effects to lighten dark circles.
- Leaves: High in vitamins and minerals that promote blood circulation and help decrease the appearance of dark circles.
- Stems: Contain useful phytochemicals that can improve skin elasticity, reducing the visibility of dark circles.
- Rhizomes: Possess potent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that can improve the overall health and vitality of the skin around the eyes.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in fennel tea that aid with dark circles.
- Anethole: A natural antioxidant that helps reduce puffiness and discoloration around the eyes by improving circulation and fighting free radicals.
- Fenchone: A compound with anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritation and decrease the appearance of dark circles.
- Limonene: A potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that aids in reducing puffiness, brightening the skin, and promoting collagen production.
- Quercetin: A flavonoid with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that helps diminish dark circles by strengthening capillaries and inhibiting melanin production.
- Rosmarinic acid: A phenolic compound known for its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which aids in reducing dark circles, puffiness, and skin irritation.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic fennel tea for dark circles.
- Chop 1 tablespoon of fresh fennel bulb or 1 teaspoon of dried fennel seeds.
- Place fennel in a teapot and pour 8 ounces of boiling water over it.
- Let the tea steep for 10 minutes to extract its healing properties.
- Strain the tea to remove fennel pieces, then pour the liquid into a cup.
- Sip the tea while still warm, 2-3 times a day, to reduce dark circles gradually.
7. Peppermint
Peppermint tea's primary components, menthol and menthone, possess vasoconstrictive properties that reduce blood vessel dilation and permeability.
These elements, by constricting the blood vessels around the eyes, diminish the pooling of blood and fluid that leads to dark circles. Moreover, peppermint tea's anti-inflammatory and soothing agents alleviate puffiness and soreness, further minimizing the appearance of dark circles. Its antioxidant characteristics aid in collagen production and skin cell regeneration, enhancing skin elasticity and tone.
Consequently, regular consumption of peppermint tea helps maintain proper blood circulation and overall skin health, ensuring that dark circles remain visibly reduced.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in peppermint tea that help with dark circles.
- Leaves: Contain antioxidants and menthol, which can help improve blood flow and reduce the appearance of dark circles.
- Flowers: Rich in anti-inflammatory compounds that can help soothe and calm the skin, reducing puffiness and dark circles.
- Buds: High in antioxidants and essential oils, which can help protect the skin from damage and improve circulation, reducing the appearance of dark circles.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in peppermint tea that aid with dark circles.
- Menthol: Provides a cooling effect that helps reduce inflammation and constricts blood vessels, which can diminish the appearance of dark circles.
- Rosmarinic acid: Possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate pigmentation and reduce puffiness around the eyes.
- Flavonoids: Act as antioxidants that can protect the skin from damage, reduce inflammation, and help improve circulation, which may lighten dark circles.
- Tannins: Act as astringents that tighten the skin, reducing the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.
- Epicatechin: A type of flavonoid that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, helping to protect and repair damaged skin, potentially fading dark circles.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint tea for dark circles.
- Boil 8 ounces of water to 212°F for 1-2 minutes.
- Crush 1 tablespoon of dried peppermint leaves and add to the boiling water.
- Steep the peppermint leaves in the water for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain the liquid to remove the peppermint leaves.
- Let the tea cool down and apply it gently to your dark circles with a cotton pad for 15 minutes.
8. Parsley
Parsley tea diminishes dark circles due to its high vitamin C and K content, which boosts blood flow and strengthens capillary walls.
This herbal tea's antioxidants combat free radicals, reducing inflammation and discoloration. Parsley tea's diuretic properties help reduce puffiness by draining excess fluids around the eyes. Regularly consuming parsley tea promotes collagen production, maintaining skin elasticity and minimizing the appearance of dark circles.
Furthermore, applying parsley tea bags topically provides a cooling effect that soothes tired eyes and constricts blood vessels, making dark circles less visible.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in parsley tea that help with dark circles.
- Leaves: Rich in antioxidants, leaves help reduce puffiness and discoloration.
- Seeds: Contain essential oils and nutrients that improve blood flow and lighten skin around the eyes.
- Flowers: High in flavonoids and volatile oils, flowers help decrease inflammation and brighten dark circles.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in parsley tea that aid with dark circles.
- Apigenin: A flavonoid that reduces inflammation and strengthens blood vessels, helping to decrease the appearance of dark circles.
- Luteolin: A flavonoid that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in the reduction of dark circles.
- Myristicin: A compound that improves circulation and has a mild stimulant effect, helping to alleviate dark circles.
- Vitamin C: An essential nutrient that brightens the skin, reduces pigmentation, and promotes collagen production, all beneficial for dark circles.
- Folate: A water-soluble B vitamin that encourages cell growth and repair, assisting in skin rejuvenation and the improvement of dark circles.
- Potassium: A mineral that regulates fluid balance and promotes cell health, reducing puffiness and dark circles.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic parsley tea for dark circles.
- Chop 1 cup of fresh parsley, discarding stems, and place in a heatproof bowl.
- Boil 2 cups of water, then pour over the chopped parsley and let steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain the tea to remove parsley, reserving the liquid.
- Let the tea cool to a drinkable temperature.
- Drink the prepared parsley tea twice a day for improved circulation and reduced dark circles.
9. Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba tea reduces dark circles by improving blood circulation, which helps diminish the pooling of blood and fluids under the eyes that cause dark shadows.
This herbal tea contains antioxidants that protect the delicate skin around the eyes from damage caused by free radicals, reducing the appearance of dark circles. Ginkgo biloba tea also has anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate puffiness and swelling, which can exacerbate the appearance of dark circles. Additionally, this tea promotes collagen production, providing structural support to the skin, which helps reduce the appearance of dark circles and fine lines around the eyes.
Lastly, ginkgo biloba tea enhances skin hydration, which ensures the skin remains plump, radiant, and smooth, preventing dryness that often worsens the appearance of dark circles.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in ginkgo biloba tea that help with dark circles.
- Leaves: Contain high levels of antioxidants that help improve blood circulation, reducing the appearance of dark circles.
- Seeds: Rich in flavonoids and terpenoids that possess anti-inflammatory properties, helping to alleviate puffiness and dark circles.
- Bark: Has tannins and other compounds that can strengthen capillary walls, reducing leakage of blood into the skin around the eyes.
- Rhyzomes: Contain potent bioactive compounds, such as ginkgolides and bilobalides, that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, aiding in dark circle reduction.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in ginkgo biloba tea that aid with dark circles.
- Flavonoids: These antioxidants protect blood vessels and improve circulation, which helps reduce the appearance of dark circles caused by poor blood flow.
- Terpene Lactones: This class of compounds, including ginkgolides and bilobalide, improves microcirculation, which reduces dark circles caused by pooled blood in the skin.
- Proanthocyanidins: These powerful antioxidants strengthen capillary walls, preventing leakage and reducing dark circles caused by broken capillaries and fluid buildup.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginkgo biloba tea for dark circles.
- Boil 8 ounces of water to a rolling boil, which takes about 5-7 minutes on a stovetop.
- Add 1 teaspoon of dried ginkgo biloba leaves to a teapot or infuser, then pour the hot water over the leaves.
- Steep the tea for 5-10 minutes to allow the beneficial compounds to extract, releasing their potency.
- Strain the tea into a cup, discarding the spent leaves.
- Drink the ginkgo biloba tea twice daily to potentially reduce the appearance of dark circles under your eyes.
10. Gotu Kola
Gotu kola tea directly addresses the root causes of dark circles, such as poor circulation, stress, and fatigue, by improving microcirculation in the delicate skin around the eyes.
This herbal tea contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce puffiness, dilate blood vessels and decrease the appearance of dark circles. Furthermore, gotu kola tea promotes collagen production, strengthening the skin and minimizing the visibility of dark under-eye circles while enhancing the skin's overall health and elasticity. Rich in triterpenoids, this tea aids in healing damaged skin, fading discoloration, and maintaining a youthful, even skin tone.
Ultimately, incorporating gotu kola tea into a daily routine provides a natural, effective solution for managing dark circles, bringing a refreshed, well-rested appearance.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in gotu kola tea that help with dark circles.
- Leaves: Rich in antioxidants and collagen-boosting properties that help reduce the appearance of dark circles.
- Rhyzomes: Contain active compounds that improve blood circulation, reducing puffiness and darkening under the eyes.
- Stems: Support skin health and repair, diminishing the visibility of dark circles over time.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in gotu kola tea that aid with dark circles.
- Asiaticoside: Reduces dark circles by inhibiting melanin production and promoting collagen synthesis, which thickens the skin and reduces the visibility of dark circles.
- Madecassoside: Possesses anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate puffiness and dark circles by reducing the accumulation of blood and fluids under the eyes.
- Madecassic acid: Stimulates the production of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) that help maintain skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of dark circles and fine lines.
- Asiatic acid: Encourages the production of type I and III collagen, improving skin firmness, and decreasing the prominence of dark circles.
- Brahmoside: Enhances lymphatic drainage, diminishing fluid retention, and aiding in the reduction of dark circles and eye puffiness.
- Brahminoside: Demonstrates antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that protect the delicate skin under the eyes from damage and irritation, promoting a brighter and more even complexion.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic gotu kola tea for dark circles.
- In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of water and 2 teaspoons of dried gotu kola leaves, bringing them to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a cup, discarding the used gotu kola leaves.
- Allow the gotu kola tea to cool down to a drinkable temperature.
- Drink the tea twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, for at least a month to reduce dark circles.